Differences between Oxycodone and Percocet
Contents
Comparison Article
Oxycodone and Percocet are both opioid analgesics used to treat moderate to severe pain.[1][2] The primary distinction between the two is their composition. Oxycodone is a single-ingredient medication, whereas Percocet is a brand name for a combination drug that contains both oxycodone and acetaminophen.[3][4] Due to their high potential for abuse and dependence, all oxycodone products, including Percocet, are classified as Schedule II controlled substances in the United States.[1][5]
Comparison Table
| Category | Oxycodone | Percocet |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient(s) | Oxycodone hydrochloride | Oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen |
| Drug Type | Opioid analgesic | Combination opioid and non-opioid analgesic[4] |
| Common Brand Names | OxyContin, Roxicodone | Endocet, Roxicet |
| Formulations | Immediate-release and extended-release tablets, capsules, oral solution[1] | Immediate-release tablets[2] |
| Primary Use | Management of moderate to severe pain[1] | Relief of moderate to moderately severe pain |
| DEA Schedule (U.S.) | Schedule II | Schedule II |
| Specific Risks | Standard opioid risks (e.g., respiratory depression, dependence) | Standard opioid risks plus risk of liver damage (hepatotoxicity) from acetaminophen[3] |
Composition and Formulation
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from thebaine, a substance found in the opium poppy.[1] It is the sole active ingredient in medications like OxyContin and Roxicodone. It is available in multiple formats, including immediate-release versions that work for up to six hours and extended-release versions designed to manage pain over a longer period, typically 12 hours.
Percocet combines oxycodone with acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever and fever reducer.[4] The inclusion of acetaminophen can enhance the pain-relieving effects of oxycodone, sometimes allowing for a lower total opioid dose.[4] Percocet is manufactured as an immediate-release tablet and is not available in an extended-release formula.[2]
Risks and Side Effects
Both medications share the side effects common to all opioids, such as sedation, dizziness, constipation, and respiratory depression, which is the most serious acute risk. Long-term use of either drug can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
Percocet carries an additional risk related to its acetaminophen component. Acetaminophen can cause severe, and potentially fatal, liver damage (hepatotoxicity) if taken in high doses or if combined with alcohol or other products containing acetaminophen. Patients are typically advised not to exceed a total of 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day from all sources. This risk is not present with single-ingredient oxycodone products, although they have their own distinct risk profile associated with higher opioid concentrations, especially in extended-release forms.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "usdoj.gov". Retrieved January 27, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "mayoclinic.org". Retrieved January 27, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "robertalexandercenter.com". Retrieved January 27, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "goodrx.com". Retrieved January 27, 2026.
- ↑ "dea.gov". Retrieved January 27, 2026.
